If you’ve been struggling with a clogged bathtub drain, you know how frustrating it can be. The water just won’t go down, and you’re left with a tub full of dirty water. One common culprit of bathtub drain clogs is a stuck or faulty plug. But don’t worry, removing the plug is easier than you might think!
Step 1: Identify the Type of Plug
Before you start trying to remove the plug, it’s important to understand what type of plug you’re dealing with. There are two main types of plugs: pop-up plugs and trip lever plugs. Pop-up plugs are usually found in newer bathtubs and have a lever or knob that you can lift up to close or lower to open the drain. Trip lever plugs, on the other hand, are more common in older bathtubs and can be identified by a lever or plate on the overflow cover.
Step 2: Remove the Pop-up Plug
If you have a pop-up plug, removing it is relatively easy. Start by lifting the plug to the open position. Then, look for a small set screw on the side of the plug. Use a screwdriver to loosen and remove the screw. Once the screw is removed, you should be able to pull the plug out of the drain.
Step 3: Remove the Trip Lever Plug
If you have a trip lever plug, the process is a bit different. Start by removing the overflow cover plate. This can usually be done by unscrewing a few screws or twisting the plate counterclockwise. Once the plate is removed, you should see a mechanism connected to the trip lever. Disconnect the mechanism and carefully pull out the plug.
Remember, always take caution when working with plumbing fixtures. If you’re not comfortable or confident in your abilities, it’s best to call a professional plumber to help you remove the plug from your bathtub drain.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully remove the plug from your bathtub drain and get your water flowing freely once again. Don’t let a clogged drain ruin your bathing experience – take action and unclog that drain today!
Identify the type of drain plug
Before attempting to remove a plug from your bathtub drain, it is important to identify the type of plug you are dealing with. This will help you choose the most appropriate method of removal.
There are several common types of bathtub drain plugs, including:
- Lift-and-turn: These plugs require you to lift and then turn them to open or close the drain.
- Push-and-pull: These plugs can be easily pushed down to close the drain and pulled up to open it.
- Toe-touch: These plugs are operated by pressing them down with your toe to close the drain and lifting them up to open it.
- Pop-up: These plugs have a lever or button on the overflow cover that you can push or pull to control the drain.
- Flip-it: These plugs have a toggle-style handle that you can flip to close or open the drain.
Take a close look at your bathtub drain plug to determine which type it is. Understanding the specific design and mechanism of your drain plug will ensure that you use the correct technique when removing it.
Gather necessary tools
Before attempting to remove the plug from your bathtub drain, it’s important to gather the necessary tools to make the process easier and more efficient.
- Plunger – A plunger can help create suction to dislodge the plug from the drain.
- Pliers – Pliers can be useful for gripping and turning the plug if it is stuck.
- Screwdriver – A screwdriver may be needed to remove any screws or covers that are securing the plug in place.
- Bucket – Having a bucket nearby can help catch any water that may spill out during the process.
- Cleaning gloves – Wearing gloves can protect your hands from any dirt or grime that may be present in the drain.
By having these tools ready, you’ll be better prepared to tackle the job of removing the plug from your bathtub drain.
Remove the overflow cover
Before attempting to remove the plug from the bathtub drain, you will need to remove the overflow cover. The overflow cover is located below the faucet and is usually a plate with one or two screws holding it in place.
To remove the overflow cover, you will need a screwdriver that fits the screws. Use the screwdriver to unscrew the screws holding the cover in place. Once the screws are loosened, carefully lift the cover off the bathtub.
It’s important to be gentle when removing the overflow cover to avoid damaging it or any surrounding tiles or fixtures. If the screws are rusty or difficult to remove, you can use a penetrating oil to help loosen them. Allow the oil to sit for a few minutes before attempting to remove the screws again.
After removing the overflow cover, you will have better access to the plug in the bathtub drain. You can proceed with the necessary steps to remove the plug, such as using a plunger, a drain snake, or a chemical drain cleaner.
Note: If you are uncertain about how to proceed or encounter any difficulties during the removal process, it is recommended to consult a professional plumber for assistance.
Remove the drain stopper
Removing the drain stopper is the first step in removing a plug from a bathtub drain. There are several types of drain stoppers, so the method for removing them may vary slightly depending on the specific type you have. Here are some common methods for removing different types of drain stoppers:
- Toe-touch drain stopper: This type of drain stopper is commonly found in newer bathtub models. To remove it, simply lift the stopper and rotate it counterclockwise until it comes off.
- Lift-and-turn drain stopper: This type of drain stopper requires you to lift it and then turn it counterclockwise to remove it. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the slot on the stopper, lift it up, and then rotate it counterclockwise to unscrew it.
- Push-pull drain stopper: To remove this type of drain stopper, locate the set screw on the overflow plate and loosen it with a screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, you can easily pull the stopper out of the drain.
- Screw-in drain stopper: This type of drain stopper has a screw in the center that holds it in place. To remove it, use a screwdriver to turn the screw counterclockwise until it is fully unscrewed. Then, lift the stopper out of the drain.
Once you have successfully removed the drain stopper, you can proceed with the next steps to remove the plug from the bathtub drain.
Clean the drain
After removing the plug from the bathtub drain, it is important to thoroughly clean the drain to ensure proper water flow and prevent any clogs. Here are the steps to clean the drain:
- Start by removing any visible debris, such as hair or soap scum, from the drain opening. Use gloves or a tool like needle-nose pliers to pull out any large clumps of debris.
- Once the visible debris is removed, pour boiling water down the drain to help dissolve any remaining buildup. This can help loosen any remaining clogs or blockages.
- Next, create a mixture of equal parts vinegar and baking soda. Pour this mixture down the drain and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. The combination of these two ingredients can help break up and dissolve any stubborn buildup or clogs.
- After the mixture has had time to work, flush the drain with hot water. This will help rinse away any remaining residue and ensure that the drain is clean and clear.
- If the drain is still not fully clean, you may need to use a drain snake or plumber’s auger to remove any deeper clogs. Insert the snake into the drain and use a twisting motion to dislodge the clog. Pull the snake out slowly, removing any debris as you go.
- Finally, run hot water down the drain once more to ensure that it is completely clear and flowing properly.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean the drain after removing the plug from the bathtub drain. Regularly cleaning the drain can help prevent future clogs and keep your bathtub drain functioning properly.
Reassemble and test the drain
Once you have removed the bathtub drain plug, it is important to reassemble the drain properly to ensure it functions correctly. Follow these steps to reassemble and test the drain:
Step 1: Inspect the drain components to make sure they are clean and free of any debris. If necessary, use a brush or cloth to clean them. |
Step 2: Apply plumber’s putty or silicone caulk around the flange of the drain assembly. This will help create a watertight seal when the drain is reinstalled. |
Step 3: Insert the drain assembly back into the bathtub drain, ensuring it is aligned properly with the drainpipe. |
Step 4: Tighten the drain assembly using a drain wrench or pliers. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage the components. |
Step 5: Fill the bathtub with water and check for any leaks around the drain. If you notice any leaks, tighten the drain assembly further to ensure a secure seal. |
Step 6: Test the drain by pulling up on the drain stopper or turning the lever connected to the drain assembly. The water should drain smoothly without any issues. |
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully reassemble and test the bathtub drain after removing the plug. If you encounter any difficulties or persistent leaks, it may be necessary to consult a professional plumber.
